When Things Are Hard, Remember

February 15, 2021
Preschool-Grade 1 A mix of emotions descends upon a girl who is unsure about moving to a new home. Addressing her in simple words, the narration repeatedly encourages her to have faith and offers examples of what that means. Though reluctant to go, the child leaves with her family, as the text calmly assures her that all will be well. Meanwhile, she has planted a seed in a little pot, and a seedling emerges before moving day, when she takes the pot with her to the new house. Attending a new school is difficult, but she quickly makes a friend. Together, they plant the sprout in her new yard. Some parts of the narrative, including the plant metaphor, unfold solely in the expressive pictures. While presumably her parents also live in her new house, they only appear in illustrations of the old one. The book's broad, spiritual message emerges in statements such as "Faith is believing--even when things are hard . . . that you will be taken care of." A reassuring read for uncertain times.

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